LOCATION
Occupying the southern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Level 2, Cruise Restaurant enjoys breathtaking views of Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, as well as the commanding skyline of the lower CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
You have to admit it – the sight of Circular Quay at night is pretty spectacular. Flanked by the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, this part of town is a destination for posh dining that often results in a bill that reflects the million dollar views. But at Cruise Restaurant, you don’t have to take out a personal loan to finance your fine dining habit. Set on the second floor of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Cruise has a vista to match that of its neighbours, with opulent decor and an impeccable (yet affordable) menu of contemporary fare made with fresh Australian produce.
The split level restaurant seemingly hovers over the water, where diners have the best seat in the quay for drinking in the view. Cruise’s cocktail lounge is worth a tipple, too – the bartenders have a way with spirits that will ease you into the evening with style. Chef, Nicholas Ward, hails from across the Tasman yet he handles local produce with tasteful assurance. His seasonal menu is simple and satisfying – cauliflower soup with scallops and truffle oil is often the order of the day for an entree, though the Sydney rock oysters don’t do too badly in the popularity stakes either. Whole baby snapper with mussels and jamon demands attention as a main course, as does the barramundi fillet in a mandarin sauce. Finish the evening with a banana and honey souffle with clotted cream feel free to linger on with another cocktail in the lounge.
Amy Looker, May 2008
DETAILS
To compliment its prestige positioning, an interior scheme of elegant furnishings has been employed, maximising the outlook and providing surrounds that are the essence of contemporary comfort and modern sophistication. A split-level floor allows diners to enjoy this premier outlook from every table, which includes both freestanding, and banquette configurations. Cruise Restaurant has a maximum capacity of 60 diners, an ideal figure, which strikes just the right balance for contemporary dining with an appropriate level of intimacy.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The food philosophy is all about fresh, seasonal produce. Skillfully prepared to accentuate the natural flavours and work in harmony with the rest of the menu.
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